Sanité Bélair facts for kids
Suzanne Bélair, also known as Sanite Bélair, was a brave Haitian revolutionary. She was born around 1781 in Verrettes, Haiti, and sadly passed away on October 5, 1802. Sanite was a key figure and a lieutenant (a military officer) in the army of Toussaint Louverture, a famous leader of the Haitian Revolution.
Sanite Bélair was born a free person of color, known as an affranchi. In 1796, she married Charles Bélair, who was a commander and later became a general in the army. Sanite played a very active role in the Haitian Revolution, which was a fight for Haiti's freedom from French rule. During the conflict against French troops, she rose through the ranks, first becoming a sergeant and then a lieutenant.
Capture and Execution
Sanite and Charles Bélair were important leaders in the fight for freedom. They were being chased by a French army group led by Faustin Répussard. The Bélairs sought safety in the Artibonite area.
One day, Répussard launched a surprise attack on a place called Corail-Mirrault. During this attack, Sanite Bélair was captured. To avoid being separated from his wife, Charles Bélair bravely turned himself in to the French. Both Sanite and Charles were then sentenced to death.
Sanite Bélair's Legacy
Sanite Bélair is remembered as one of the great heroes of the Haitian Revolution. Her courage and dedication helped Haiti gain its independence.
In 2004, Haiti honored her by featuring her image on the ten-gourd banknote. This was part of a special series of money created to celebrate the "Bicentennial of Haiti," marking 200 years since Haiti became a free nation.
